With the summer starting, my #1 priority these days is getting in shape before we go for a beach vacation with my hubby.  He doesn’t understand what the fuss is all about, but thankfully other women understand how stressful these preparations are:

So, I though my diet and my exercise could use a bit of inspiration, that’s why I put together a list of celebrities who we can actually look up to and think about, when running on the damn treadmill.

These 10 A-list celebrities not only lost a lot of weight, but they also managed to stay that way!

So, I hope these real weight loss stories will give you that extra inspiration to get fit and ready for the summer too!

1. Oprah Winfrey …

The most inspiring celebrity weight loser for my Mom and me was the media super woman Oprah.  She had her on-going battle with weight since 1997, but I’d say she did take the problem by the horns thank to working closely with a famous personal trainer Bob Greene and keeping to a healthy diet:

“I’m not on any particular program. I’ve gone back to the commonsense basics we all know: eating less sugar and fewer refined carbs and more fresh, whole foods like fish, spinach, and fruit. But in order not to abuse food, I have to stay fully conscious and aware of every bite, of taking time and chewing slowly.”

– O, The Oprah Magazine

2. Debra Messing …

The 40 year old Will and Grace star certainly looks very youthful now that she’s lost her baby weight! She is an inspiration to me, because unlike other celebrities, she lost weight in a down to earth and healthy way. Now she’s a healthy size, she’s stopped, and criticizes anyone who says anything horrible about her weight. You go, girl!

3. Milla Jovovich …

Another inspirational celeb, Milla admitted that she hates exercising, and really struggled losing 62lbs after giving birth. She swapped peanut butter sandwiches for an exercise regime and it has certainly paid off!

4. Ricki Lake …

She’s on the front of a lot of magazines these days, mainly due to her slim new figure! Ricki lost the weight by working out three times a week, and is over the moon with herself. I think she looks amazing, so well done Ricki!

5. Nicole Richie …

Nicole was looking skinny before she got pregnant, and she definitely hit a very low point when this photo was taken. Her dad defended her, stating that nerves make her lose weight, but she looks so skinny…..She’s recently been snapped looking much healthier, and happier, so lets hope she keeps her weight up!